EXETER TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 4, 2025
Council led the Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m., on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Council Chambers, Exeter Clerk’s Office, 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Roll Call: Daniel W. Patterson No – Personal Commitment
Raymond A. Morrissey Yes
Diane Bampton Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Yes
Calvin A. Ellis Yes
Also Present: Kenneth Sylvia, Esq., Town Solicitor
Lynn M. Hawkins, Town Clerk
Kenneth Findlay, Council Assistant
A. RI NATIONAL GUARD LEAPFEST: It was a fantastic event. No issues.
Good weather. Well attended. There were 200 paratroopers, from 18 different
countries competing. The RI National Guard extends its thanks to Exeter for
its hospitality.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to approve the Agenda Order;
seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. REYNOLDS CHARITABLE TRUST: REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL:
1. RYAN’S LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING, $600.00
The voucher was not removed.
B. COMMUNICATIONS:
Mr. Ellis removed Nos. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9.
C. BILLS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND ABATEMENTS:
1. BILL SHEET: July 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025
2. TAX ASSESSOR’S ABATEMENTS:
$264.03, two accounts
See Town Clerk for details
3. TAX COLLECTOR’S ABATEMENTS: None
4. TAX COLLECTOR’S REMITTANCES: None
None of the above were removed.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. REGULAR MEETING, JULY 7, 2025
2. REGULAR MEETING, EXECUTIVE SESSION, JULY 7, 2025
3. SPECIAL MEETING, JULY 23, 2025
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve July 7, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
and Executive Session Minutes; seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted as follows:
Diane Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Abstain
Calvin Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve July 23, 2025, Special Meeting Minutes;
seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to approve the Consent Agenda as amended;
seconded by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. VACANCIES:
1. PERSONNEL BOARD (5 MEMBERS NEEDED): Letters of Interest are
being accepted. Those received are being held. Once five are received, this Board
will be activated. These vacancies will continue to post.
B. RESIGNATIONS:
1. KATRINA THORNLEY, CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEMBER:
Ms. Thornley, for personal reasons, is unable to continue as a member at this time.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to accept Katrina Thornley’s resignation
as Conservation Committee Member; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted
unanimously in the affirmative.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
1. EXETER RURAL LAND PRESERVATION TRUST COMMITTEE MEMBERS (THREE NEEDED) (TO SERVE FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy will continue
to post.
2. BOARD OF TAX AND ASSESSMENT REVIEW ALTERNATE MEMBER
(TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT):
No Letters of Interest have been received. This vacancy will continue to post.
3. JUVENILE HEARING BOARD MEMBER (TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): Council has received one letter of interest.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Joseph Turner as Juvenile Hearing Board
Member for the ensuing three-year term; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Mr. Turner has excellent credentials.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
4. ZONING BOARD OF REVIEW ALTERNATE MEMBER (TO SERVE FIVE-
YEAR TERM BEGINNING DATE OF APPOINTMENT): The currently-serving
member has not responded. This vacancy will continue to post.
5. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (TWO MEMBERS WITH TERM
ENDING JUNE 30, 2028):
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to reappoint Jenna Cragen and Caleb Chafee as Conservation Committee Members for terms ending June 30, 2028; seconded
by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
6. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (TWO MEMBERS WITH TERM
ENDING JUNE 30, 2027):
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to reappoint David DeFrancesco and Mary
Brown as Conservation Committee Members for terms ending June 30,
2027; seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted as follows:
Raymond A. Morrissey Yes
Diane Allen Yes
Olivia DeFrancesco Recused
Calvin Ellis Yes
Motion passes.
7. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (ONE MEMBER WITH TERM
ENDING JUNE 30, 2026):
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to appoint Geoff Bothun as Conservation
Committee Member for the term ending June 30, 2026; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco.
Discussion: Mr. Bothun has excellent credentials.
Back to the Motion: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. EXPIRING TERMS: There were no Expiring Terms.
There were no Public Hearings.
Asa Davis, 146 Beechwood Hill Trail: 1) Regarding the water system at 742 Ten Rod Road, there is a problem. The Department of Health had issued a Notice of Significant Deficiency and its records indicate that the Town is giving up the public well status. There was nothing in the Council records. Did Council decide this? If it has been changed to a private well, the building cannot be used for high traffic. Regarding water contamination. There should be a treatment system for sporadic contamination. The illegal well should be disconnected and a new well installed or the well should be redrilled. Giving up the public well status is short cited, counterproductive, and a breach of fiduciary responsibility; 2) It is not an emergency
to replace the dump truck that burned. The Town has lived without it before and can do so again. Replacing it will be a major capital expense and bypass normal purchasing procedures.
It is not justified. Taking time on the purchase and doing it right ensures taxpayer funds are being spent efficiently and wisely; 3) Regarding Agenda Item 9C, is this in the Town’s insurance policy? Legal acts should be but probably is not. The Town’s permit fee schedule
in the Town’s ordinance still does not comply with State statute and generates overcharges.
It needs to be fixed and updated; 4) The word “potential litigation” in Agenda Item No. 12
is being used as justification for keeping things out of open session. That word
is not in the State statute, which allows for litigation not potential litigation.
A. SOLICITOR’S LICENSE APPLICATIONS : ROBERT F. O’NEILL, JR.,
WYATT GILMORE, JACOB THIBAULT, OLIVIA CONTI, AND DEVIN
ELLINWOOD, APPLICANTS, ON BEHALF OF POWER HOME REMODELING,
2000 CHAPEL VIEW BOULEVARD, CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND:
Robert O’Neill, Jr.: Power Home Remodeling has been in business since 1992, is
nationwide, and has its headquarters in Philadelphia. They go door- to-door in an
attempt to schedule appointments for free estimates, roofing, windows, siding, gutters,
attic insulations, etc. They have solicited in Narragansett, North Kingstown, East
Greenwich, South Kingstown, and Wakefield. They will be in Exeter approximately
a week to a week and a half.
The Clerk reported: All requirements have been met.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to grant Solicitor’s License to Robert F. O’Neill, Jr.,
Wyatt Gilmore, Jacob Thibault, Olivia Conti, and Devin Ellinwood on behalf of
Power Home Remodeling; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously
in the affirmative.
B. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY
PROCUREMENT: REPLACEMENT OF DUMP TRUCK THAT CAUGHT
FIRE AND IS A TOTAL LOSS AS A RESULT:
Director of Public Works: About a week and a half ago, a dump truck caught fire while spreading sand and is a complete loss. To replace it by the normal bidding process would
mean a new one would not be delivered until next year, well after plowing season, and
would cost approximately $490,000.00. The fleet needs a certain number of trucks in
order to do the work necessary during snowstorms. The lost truck was part of that fleet.
A 2021 used replacement vehicle has been located that would make the fleet whole in
time for the upcoming winter and would cost $269,000.00. It has low mileage, 23,000.
The purchase would be contingent on a number of tests.
Discussion ensued regarding funding of the used vehicle. It is an unexpected expense.
The purchase falls within the guidelines for making an emergency procurement as it is
necessary for public safety and welfare.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to authorize Director of Public Works Robert Shappy to purchase the 2021 replacement vehicle subject to all testing; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to purchase the used replacement dump truck out of the Vehicle Replacement Fund and then replenish the fund with the insurance money;
seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
C. ALTERNATE BUILDING INSPECTOR: APPOINTMENT, TERM,
AND INDEMNIFICATION FOR OFFICIAL ACTS: Brad Ward had been appointed to cover Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco’s personal permits and is willing to continue
when Mr. DeFrancesco has other conflicts. He is State certified.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Brad Ward as Alternate Building Inspector
as needed with indemnification; seconded by Ms. Allen.
Discussion: The ordinances provide for indemnification. Mr. Ward will be identified
as a public official. There will be no term assigned. He will work on an as-needed basis.
He will be serving at the pleasure of the Council. Mr. Ellis and Ms. Allen withdrew the
motion and the second.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to appoint Brad Ward as Alternate Building Inspector
For whenever Exeter’s Building Inspector has a conflict of interest or must recuse
under the Code of Ethics which appointment is not limited duration and would make
Mr. Ward an official officer or employee under Section 2-51 of the Code of Ordinances when taking action in his capacity as Alternate Building Inspector; seconded by
Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE: STATUS AND DIRECTION:
The Task Force has not had much activity. This agenda item will be moved to Unfinished Business on the September agenda for Council to develop a project, such as providing a list
of Town businesses that the members could approach to determine their interest in becoming
a part of a composite of businesses.
E. ETHICS TRAINING: SCHEDULING: The Ethics Commission suggests that
all officials, appointed, and hired employees take training every three years. The Clerk
asked that the in-person training be made mandatory in order to have everyone participate.
MOTION made by Ms. Allen to schedule mandatory ethics training for all employees,
all elected officials, and all members of boards and commissions; seconded by
Mr. Morrissey; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
F. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: REQUEST FOR WORK SESSION:
DAM EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS: Following discussion for a date,
this agenda item will be moved to New Business on the September agenda.
G. SPLIT ROCK MOBILE PARK : NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS:
Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco cited the owner in April 2025.
Wishing to support Mr. DeFrancesco, the following motion entered:
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to direct the Clerk to write to Mr. Palmer, Owner,
Split Rock Mobile Park, citing Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco’s April
2025 Notice of Violations and ask that the work be done and the violations
corrected; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
H. IMPACT FEE STUDY (DRAFT, JULY 2025): REVIEW AND POSSIBLE
ACCEPTANCE: Discussion ensued. Ms. Allen suggested a change: that there be
no Impact fees for businesses on State roads. The consultant advises against this because
businesses on State roads will most likely travel Town roads thereby impacting Town
roads and Town services. Council can, upon request of the business, waive, in part
or in full, the impact fee.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to accept the Impact Fee Study as presented;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
I. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXETER CODE OF ORDINANCES:
CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS, AND BUILDING REGULATIONS; ARTICLE IV,
IMPACT FEES: Based on the motion made in Agenda Item No. 9H, the Impact Fee
ordinance needs to be updated.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to schedule a Public Hearing regarding Proposed Amendments to Exeter Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Buildings and Building Regulations, Article IV, Impact Fees; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted
unanimously in the affirmative.
J. FUTURE TOWN HALL, 742 TEN ROD ROAD: INITIAL PLANNING, NEEDS
ASSESSMENT STATUS, STAFF RELOCATION CONSIDERATION, FACILITY
LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Mr. Findlay suggested that he compile all the information
regarding the building and provide it for next month’s meeting in order that Council can
decide a plan of action going forward following defeat of the funds at the Financial Town Meeting for the architect. Mr. Ellis suggested that Planning Board Member and Architect,
Mike Viveiros, meet Town Planner, Bill DePasquale, Mr. Ellis, Ms. Allen, and Mr. Findlay
at the new building. The meeting will be scheduled. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding
what needs to be done and which departments to move there.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to approve relocating the Board of Canvassers, Social Services, and Building Planning and Zoning to 742 Ten Rod Road when the building
is ready; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
A. EWG CHARTER AMENDMENT: SPECIAL ELECTION RECONSIDERATION:
As a result of Council’s action last month, with West Greenwich’s agreement, this matter has been resolved. There will not be a special election. This agenda item will be removed.
B. POSTING OF NO-THROUGH TRUCK SIGNS ON ALL NON-ARTERIAL ROADS:
It is not appropriate for no-through truck signs on all non-arterial roads. Director of Public Works Robert Shappy will post the signs where appropriate. This agenda item will be removed.
C. FIRE REMEDIATION STATUS: 700 TEN ROD ROAD: There has been no
response from the owner following several notices. Attorney Sylvia suggests this agenda
item be moved to New Business on the September agenda and Building Inspector Ronald DeFrancesco be invited to discuss the condition of the property. A legal option Council
has, under the Abandoned Properties Act, is to petition the Superior Court to appoint a
receiver to take ownership of the property and either fix the property or sell it to someone
who will fix it. The Town would be out of it. The owner would have the option to take
the property back if he or she can show proof of a plan to restore the building.
MOTION made by Mr. Ellis to instruct Town Solicitor Ken Sylvia to pursue
receivership subject to the facts fitting within the statute; seconded by
Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
D. STATUS: WELCOME SIGNAGE IN AND OUT OF TOWN: Mr. Findlay
has requested quotes from three companies, their recommendations, and services.
E. STATUS: RI250 COMMISSION: EXETER HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION: Ms. DeFrancesco reported: The Committee is plugging along,
planning and gathering information.
No. 2 07/09/2025 Joseph Turner, Exeter resident: Proposal for 100% property
tax exemption for 100% disabled combat veterans: Council supports the suggestion.
This communication will be referred to Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca for her opinion.
MOTION made by Ms. DeFrancesco to forward Communication No. 2 from Joseph Turner to State Senator Elaine Morgan and State Representative Meghan Cotter indicating that Council supports legislation being introduced; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
No. 3 07/09/2025 Request from Bushy Brook Farm to have the Department
of Public Works help remove overgrowth from edges of Town Farm: This
communication will be moved to New Business, September agenda.
No. 5 07/14/2025 Sharon MacLean, Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers
Stewardship Council: Canonicus Camp, DEM actions: There is a proposal for a forest
legacy project and possible preservation. This communication will be forwarded to the
Conservation Commission and Planning Board.
No. 6 07/18/2025 Rhode Island Department of Transportation: Notice of Pavement
Improvements project which began June 24, 2025, prime contractor is J.H. Lynch & Sons, project includes Exeter: This is the State’s project to upgrade State roads in all cities and towns, including Exeter.
No. 9 07/22/2025 Letter from Nyssa and Jon Mitchell: 4 West Shore Drive, issues
with driveway, requesting response: This communication was referred to Attorney Sylvia
for his opinion.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to take a ten-minute recess; seconded by Ms. Allen;
and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into recess at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to enter into Executive Session under RIGL
42-46-5(a)(2), to discuss: 1) Public Works Department; 2) National Opioid Settlements;
3) Public Water System, 742 Ten Rod Road; 4) Union Labor Negotiations; and 5) RTP Roofing; seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Council entered into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m., adjourned Executive Session
at 9:30 p.m., and reassembled in Open Session.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to affirm all votes taken in Executive Session;
seconded by Ms. DeFrancesco; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to seal the Executive Session minutes;
seconded by Mr. Ellis; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION made by Mr. Morrissey to adjourn the meeting; seconded
by Ms. Allen; and voted unanimously in the affirmative.
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Exeter Town Council is scheduled for Tuesday,
September 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn M. Hawkins, CMC
Exeter Town Clerk
Approved: September 2, 2025